About two weeks ago, I asked whether anyone would be interested in the organization of a book club to study black history and current issues.

The request came following an on-line meeting organized under the sponsorship of Leadership Ellsworth County to discuss systemic racism in our society.

I received several notes from people who are interested in participating in a club. At least two readers submitted suggestions for books. Here they are:

“The Watsons Go to Birmingham — 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis

“Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis

“Bombingham” by Anthony Grooms

“Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor

“Huckleberry Finn Grows Up” by Sam Sackett

From Larry Heffel, Lenexa “From Slavery to Freedom” by John Hope Franklin, a good overview of Black history in America.

“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander, a good overview of what Blacks are up against in today’s criminal justice system.

“The Fire in the Flint” by Walter White, a fictional account of the life of a young black doctor in the South in the 20s.

Let me also add, “Gone with the Wind” and “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

From Jerry Marsh, Ellsworth

Another suggestion — the recently-released “Begin Again” by Eddie Glaude Jr., Distinguished University Professor of African American Studies at Princeton University.

LMD

Two local business matters.

First of all — Return your federal Census form if you haven’t already. Census information is used to distribute federal dollars to states, counties and cities. In case you’re worried, the Census is not a global plot to take away your freedoms. Now that we have that out of the way — we repeat — send in your Census form. The more support our local governments receive from federal and state officials, the lighter the tax burden on local residents.

The other item involves the money Wilson, Ellsworth and Ellsworth County has received to help businesses affected by COVID-19. Call Stacie Schmidt at Ellsworth County Economic Development, (785) 472-9204 for details.